CULLMAN – The investigation continues into the fatal car crash that claimed the life of Cullman High School student and athlete Curtis James Wilson,15, Sunday evening. A report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) on Monday stated, "Although the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor in the crash." ALEA has not officially confirmed which driver is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol and no charges have been filed as of Thursday, May 11; however, The Cullman Tribune has learned from several sources that Bradford Meeks, 27, of Cullman, the driver of the car that hit Wilson and his mother, was allegedly driving erratically prior to the crash and that he allegedly made statements on the scene that led law enforcement to believe he was not sober. Additionally, Meeks has an extensive criminal history with at least two DUI charges.
An itemized chronological listing of all offenses recorded in Alacourt for Meeks between 2012 and the present includes the following offenses related to driving and/or drug and alcohol use, among others:
- Running a red light
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Second-degree possession of marijuana
- Speeding
- Unspecified driver's license issue
- Speeding
- Use or possession of drug paraphernalia
- Public intoxication
- Illegal possession of alcohol
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Speeding
- Speeding
- Public intoxication
- Use or possession of drug paraphernalia
- DUI-combined influence of alcohol and controlled substance
- DUI (in Spanish Fort, while in rehab)
Wilson was a passenger in a 2004 GMC that collided head-on with a 2008 Ford driven by Meeks. The teen was transported to Children's of Alabama in Birmingham by helicopter from the scene of the wreck, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the GMC, Curtis Wilson's mother Ashley Wilson, 43, also of Cullman, was transported to Cullman Regional by ambulance for treatment of her injuries. She has since been released. Meeks was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he remains as of Thursday.
The wreck occurred Sunday, May 7 just after 6 p.m. in the 2000 block of County Road 222 in front of Van's Sporting Goods. Troopers also identified a third vehicle involved. The driver of that vehicle, Lisa Hebert, 50, of Gardendale was not injured.
Traditions Bank of Cullman has set up a fund for the family of Curt Wilson. Donations to the Curt Wilson Memorial Fund may be made at any Traditions branch.
Follow The Cullman Tribune for updates on this investigation as they become available.
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